Updating Kid's Rooms

5 Rules For Creating Kid's Rooms

Pick a color that can grow with them!

Rule # 1 (Probably the most important!) - Let them be the designer! Go through the Internet, kids catalogs, and magazines and let them find rooms they love.  Then hit the paint store and have them pick 3 of their favorite colors! Then make a plan based on your inspiration. I like to use a folder and put my colors and ideas in it, use it to help you shop. (One tidbit of advice is don't let them get too "themey", they may be into princesses and Spiderman now, but they will soon change. Trust me!)

Rule # 2 - Of the three colors, pick the one that will be most likely to grow with them. For instance, pinks of any kind can tend to be short lived with girls and for boys the lighter blues are the same. That's why we picked this Tiffany box blue by Olympic paints called, Reflection Pool. This color is sophisticated enough to grow with her. I like the grayer blues, like slate blues for boys or browns and tans, they just have more longevity!

 

Rule # 3 - Use what you have! Be creative and think about what you have and update it with paint. I took this table that looked "fairy princess" and transformed it into "bohemian chic" with white glossy spray paint. Then I only had to update the accessories, this lamp was $12 and clock was $5 from Target! Total cost of the new look $22! Also, look at other things in the room and only replace things that are necessary. I kept all the furniture and the green sheers curtains, because they would still work in the room. That's why I always tell clients don't by "character" or baby-like pieces to begin with. Stick to buying classic pieces that will stand the test of time, or the test of kids!

Rule # 4 - Don't break the bank on the bedding! If there is anything that is most likely going to change in the coming years, it's the bedding. Also, it's an easy way to make a subtle change with out changing everything.  So I don't like using custom or high end bedding for my kids rooms. This whole bedding set was $56 from Walmart.com and it came with the comforter, sham and 2 super cute accent pillows! This way if she changes her mind in a year or two, or something spills (these are kids!) you won't have a heart attack!

Finally, Rule # 5 - Let the kids be the artist! I love letting my kids participate in the art for their rooms. Either frame their creations or let them help with the painting and color selection of the art project.  To recreate this art all you need is:

1. 3  11 x 14 frames you can paint
2. Acrylic glossy paint in your colors
3. 3 Sheets of scrapbook paper - let them pick it out to match
4. 3 wood letters
5. 3 white mats, if the frames don't have it already.

Just paint the frames  and letters, then once it's all dry frame the paper. Then hot glue the wood letters to the front center of the glass. It's that easy!

So, hopefully this helps to make tackling those kid's room a little easier on you and your wallet. 

One last thing, HAVE FUN!